Man admits sexual crimes targeting children at summer program
An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
